England 1934 – Subminiature – E10 film – Rare.
Advertised at the time as the “1934 Camera Miracle”, the Houghton Ensign Midget is one of those vintage cameras that immediately feels special the moment you hold it. Made in England, it was designed to be incredibly compact (less than 9 cm tall) to fit in any pocket, but what truly stands out today is its charm and elegance. It doesn’t just look small, it looks refined, like an object that was made with real pride and care.
Historically, the Ensign Midget was produced by Houghton, a well-known British manufacturer that played an important role in early photography. The camera appeared during a period when photography was becoming more accessible, and companies were competing to make cameras smaller, smarter, and easier to carry. The Ensign Midget was part of that new wave of “portable photography,” aimed at everyday people, travelers, and hobbyists.
Even when closed, the camera has the feel of a carefully crafted item rather than a simple tool. Its metal body, clean lines, and solid construction give it the presence of a small luxury object. It’s the kind of camera that feels more like a piece of design than a piece of equipment.
When you open it, the transformation is almost magical. The folding mechanism and bellows expand smoothly, revealing a miniature but perfectly proportioned camera. Despite its small size, it was a serious product for its time, and some versions were even released in special editions, including one made to celebrate King George V’s Silver Jubilee in 1935.
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